Last week, I received a message from a friend. "Hey, are Florida resident Disney discounts still available? I'm thinking of buying tickets in advance since guests are coming over."

So we looked it up together, and to cut to the chase, the timing is a bit tricky. Resident discounts aren't available year-round; they change with seasonal promotions.

So it's not just about "residents always get a discount"; it's really about "when and what you buy." Let's take a look at this year's trends.

The first ticket deal for 2026 was the Discover Disney ticket, valid from January 12 to May 16. The 4-day pass was $255 before tax, which breaks down to about $64 per day.

The 3-day pass was $235, based on one park per day. You could add park hopping for an additional $40.

Then from May 17 to October 3, summer and fall tickets were released. The 4-day pass was $259 before tax, averaging $65 per day.

The problem is that this summer deal ended on October 3. As of now, there hasn't been an announcement for the next resident-only ticket deal.

Honestly, it's a bit disappointing. My friend's guests are coming in November, which falls right in that gap.

That said, there are still options for residents. Year-end hotel discounts are still available.

Disney hotel resident discounts apply from October 19 to 31, November 15 to 28, and December 13 to 24, covering most dates. Just be aware that early November and early December are excluded, so make sure to check the dates.

The discount varies by hotel category. Deluxe hotels like Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Animal Kingdom Lodge offer up to 25% off.

Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, and All-Star Sports offer up to 20%. Value resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, and All-Star Movies and Music provide up to 15% off.

Keep in mind that the discount rate can vary based on the length of stay and room type. Be sure to check the final amount on the booking screen.

Interestingly, the more expensive the hotel, the higher the discount rate. This time of year isn't a bad opportunity to experience a deluxe resort that you might not usually consider.

Next, let's talk about annual passes. As of October 6, the prices for all four passes have increased.

The top-tier Incredi-Pass went up from $1,629 to $1,749, an increase of $120. The Sorcerer Pass rose from $1,099 to $1,139, and the Pirate Pass increased from $869 to $909.

The Pixie Dust Pass, available only to residents, went up from $489 to $499, a $10 increase. While this is the smallest increase, it's still a bit disheartening to see it creep close to $500.

Pixie Dust is primarily a weekday pass, so weekends are generally blocked out. For locals, it's perfect for a quick evening visit. Those who have experienced the joy of grabbing dinner after a stroll around EPCOT know what I mean.

If you're a resident, be sure to check out the monthly payment program. The basic down payment is $205, with the remainder spread over 12 months.

From February to June 24 this year, there was a promotion that halved this down payment to $99. While that's over now, such promotions could return, so it's a good idea to check the official site occasionally.

You can apply for the monthly payment plan online, at park ticket booths, or at Disney Springs Guest Relations. Many people don't realize that you can't do this over the phone.

You can pay off the balance at any time without a penalty. This is a pretty good option for families who want to avoid a large upfront cost.

Let's also go over the eligibility requirements. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old and provide proof such as a Florida driver's license, a state ID with a Florida address, or a Florida-based military ID.

You'll also need a Florida billing address when making the payment. Additionally, all adults entering the park must show proof of residency.

This means you can't buy resident tickets for relatives from out of state. It can get awkward if you run into issues at the entrance.

Don't forget about park reservations. Resident discount tickets require separate park reservations for each visit date.

To sum up my thoughts: If guests are coming in November, it's more practical to buy tickets at regular prices but adjust hotel dates to fit the discount periods.

If you plan to visit more than five or six times a year, getting the Pixie Dust pass with monthly payments is the cleanest option. And be sure to check early in the year if winter and spring ticket deals will be released in January.

I think it's great that Disney opens its doors a bit more for local residents. However, with prices continually rising, we need to stay on top of the discount calendar.